**UAE**: Smart Mobility International (SMI) has partnered with Chinese EV manufacturer IM Motors, introducing their acclaimed electric vehicles to the GCC market. This collaboration aligns with the UAE’s sustainable transport goals, as SMI plans to open a dedicated service centre for New Energy Vehicles by 2025.
Smart Mobility International (SMI), a distributor of New Energy Vehicles based in the UAE, has announced a strategic partnership with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer IM Motors. Notably co-founded by SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park Development, this collaboration marks IM Motors’ inaugural entry into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
IM Motors, established in 2020, has rapidly established itself in the electric mobility sector, producing vehicles that have received significant acclaim for their innovative technologies and aesthetics. The company’s current lineup features models such as the IM L7 sedan and the IM LS7 SUV, both noted for their advanced design and technological capabilities. In March 2024, IM Motors successfully raised over 8 billion yuan in a Series B equity financing round, one of the largest financial boosts for a Chinese electric vehicle brand in recent times. This investment saw participation from several high-profile state-backed entities, including the Bank of China’s asset management division, an investment arm of Agricultural Bank of China, and the Shanghai government-backed Lingang Group. The capital raised is intended to accelerate the development of new smart vehicle models and facilitate further international expansion.
SMI’s proactive initiatives align with the UAE’s vision for sustainable transportation. The company has plans to open a dedicated service centre for New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in Dubai’s Al Quoz automotive district by January 2025. This facility is being designed to provide comprehensive maintenance services specifically for electric vehicles, encompassing quick service areas, specialised battery care sections, and equipped diagnostic tools. This initiative underscores SMI’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s ambitious target of achieving 50% of all vehicles on its roads as NEVs by the year 2050.
The partnership is expected to introduce a variety of premium electric vehicles to the UAE market. While specific models and timelines have yet to be disclosed, industry analysts predict that the flagship models, particularly the IM L7 and IM LS7, are likely to feature prominently in the initial offerings. These vehicles are celebrated for their advanced features, which include autonomous driving capabilities, sophisticated infotainment systems, and substantial driving ranges.
The automotive market in the UAE is experiencing a notable increase in interest towards electric vehicles, propelled by government initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable energy and reducing carbon emissions. The entrance of IM Motors into the market is anticipated to address the rising demand for eco-friendly and high-performance transportation solutions among consumers in the region.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://menews247.com/smart-mobility-international-signs-partnership-agreement-with-im-motors-for-uae-and-saudi-arabia/ – This URL confirms the strategic partnership between Smart Mobility International and IM Motors, marking IM Motors’ entry into the GCC region with the UAE as their launchpad.
- https://www.dayofdubai.com/news/smart-mobility-international-signs-landmark-partnership-with-im-motors-to-launch-premium-electric-vehicles-in-uae-and-saudi-arabia – The partnership aims to introduce premium electric vehicles like the IM LS7 SUV to the UAE market, supporting the country’s EV goals.
- https://thearabianpost.com/smart-mobility-international-and-im-motors-forge-alliance-to-introduce-premium-electric-vehicles-in-uae/ – This URL supports the claim that IM Motors is entering the UAE market with innovative electric vehicles such as the IM L7 and IM LS7, both known for advanced technologies.
- https://www.saicmotor.com/en) – This link is essential for understanding SAIC Motor’s role as one of the co-founders of IM Motors, though it does not directly mention the partnership. SAIC Motor is a significant Chinese automotive company supporting IM Motors.
- https://www.alibabagroup.com/en/news/article?news=p210108 – Alibaba Group’s involvement in IM Motors highlights its role in the partnership as a co-founder, contributing to the company’s technological advancements.
- https://www.zhangjiang.com.cn/english/ – The Shanghai Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park Development is another key co-founder of IM Motors, contributing to the technological innovation and strategic partnerships of the company.
- https://thearabianpost.com/smart-mobility-international-and-im-motors-forge-alliance-to-introduce-premium-electric-vehicles-in-uae/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative references IM Motors’ recent activities and plans, including a service centre scheduled to open in January 2025, indicating timeliness. There are no outdated references, and no mention of individuals who have changed roles or passed away.
Quotes check
Score:
5
Notes:
There are no direct quotes present in the narrative, making verification impossible. The absence of quotes means that while the information could be original, it also lacks attribution, reducing reliability.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Arabian Post, which is not as widely recognised as major outlets like BBC or Reuters, leading to uncertainty regarding its reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about IM Motors entering the GCC region and SMI’s initiatives align with current trends in the electric vehicle market and UAE’s sustainability goals. However, some specific details, like model features and timelines, remain unverified.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is timely and relevant regarding the electric vehicle market in the UAE, though it lacks direct quotes and comes from a less established source. While many claims align with current trends, further verification of key details is warranted.
